Ask the Plastic Surgeon: Your Summer Breast Implant Questions

Summer air, warm weather, and the chance to try out new figure-flattering clothing make the upcoming months an exciting time for patients who have recently undergone breast augmentation in Louisville. If you’re one of them, congratulations! But while you’re looking for the perfect suit to fit your new figure, you may still have questions about how your implants will fit in with your summer plans, whether you’re touring the world or spending some time at the lake.

In this blog post, I’m answering a few of the questions I’ve heard from patients online, some of which you may be curious about yourself.

Do breast implants float?

The saline and silicone filling that breast implants contain has a similar density to water. Therefore, implants won’t cause you to sink or float, either way, no matter their size. However, there is some evidence to show that implants can cause more resistance in the water and reduce a swimmer’s speed. If you’re a competitive swimmer, you could experience a little bit of a challenge.

Can I go water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing? What if I fall?

As soon as your breast implants and incisions are completely healed, usually 2 to 3 months after surgery, you can participate in all the water sports you love! Breast implants, especially the Sientra® brand Dr. Mizuguchi and I prefer, are made to withstand fairly intense amounts of pressure. If you’re wearing a life jacket and happen to fall forward while you’re wakeboarding (we’ve all done it!) your implants should stay safe. While there is a very small chance of rupture with any physical activity, taking precautionary measures like wearing a life jacket and avoiding harmful physical activity will help.

How can I protect my incisions if the scar is still present?

If you’ve recently undergone breast augmentation and the scar from your incision is still visible, you’ll want to protect the sensitive new tissue as much as possible. Wearing sunscreen and covering your scars with clothing will help protect them from sun damage, which can worsen the appearance of scars. Additionally, avoid wearing bathing suits with underwire or rough material for a few months after your surgery to prevent irritation to the scar tissue. We can also recommend products to use that may help lighten your scars and encourage them to heal faster.

Do I need a more supportive bathing suit than before?

The answer to this question depends on a few different factors, including the size of the implants, the shape of your breasts, and, most importantly, your comfort. If you’d feel more comfortable in a more supportive suit, go for that! No matter what you wear, make sure any underwire or material won’t irritate your scars. We can also help you determine what bathing suits will be safe and comfortable to wear after your augmentation.

Before you engage in any summer activities, whether it’s sunbathing or water skiing, be sure to consult with your surgeon to ensure your breast implants are far enough along in the healing process. You can learn more about the recovery process on our website.

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Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace, and Dr. Chet Mays of CaloAesthetics® Plastic Surgery Center specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Calobrace and Dr. Mays are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. CaloSpa® Rejuvenation Center, their full-service medical spa, features advanced nonsurgical treatments for the face and body.

Let CaloAesthetics® Plastic Surgery Center and CaloSpa® Rejuvenation Center in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, be your destinations for looking and feeling your best. Led by a team of top board-certified plastic surgeons, we spend time getting to know you and truly understanding the changes you’d like to achieve with or without surgery. We strive to establish long-term relationships that make us a trusted resource throughout life’s changes.